Join us for 6 days of kayaking and camping in the Apostle islands. The Apostles is an Archipelago of 22 islands located near Bayield, WI, one of the premier sea kayaking destinations in the U.S. The Apostle islands are famous for their historic lighthouses and phenomenal sea caves, some of which are accessabl only by kayak. Our exact route is yet to be determined; it will depend on permit availablity. The general plan is to camp on the inner islands and do day trips to the more remote and exposed outer islands as weather and group interest permits. Most of the crossings between the inner islands are two miles or less. Crossings to the outer islands can be up to 5 miles. Sudden fog and extremely limited visibility (blind crossings) are a distinct posssibility. Please note that this trip is NOT suitbable for those without previous open water sea kayaking experience. There will be no trained guide along. I am very familiar with the area, and happy to share what i know about the islands, wilderness camping and sea kayaking, but every member of the group really needs to be able to handle their boat an be responsible for themselves in an open water wilderness environment. Lake Superior is known for it's unpredictible weather patterns and very cold water. Though the air temp is likely to be in the 80s in July, the water will be less tan 40 degrees. At a minimum, participants must: 1)know how to do a wet exit and have practiced getting back in their boat in deep, calm water. 2) practice assisting others back into their boat in deep water. 2) done at least 1 open water crossing of two miles or more 3) be able to hold a 3-4 mile/hr pace in winds up to 10-15 mph and waves up to 3 feet. 4) own or rent the equipment to safely do this trip. You will need: a sea kayak at least 15 ft long with front and rear bulkheads or floatation bags (open boats, recrational boats less than 15 ft or sit-on-tops are not suitable for open water), sprayskirt, pump, paddle, wet or dry suit, back country camping gear. There are outfitters in the area that rent the equipment needed for this trip. Many of them do require some proof of kayak training, or a 3 hour safety course with them before renting equipment. Let me know if you want the names of some of the outfitters in the area. Park regulations allow only three tents per camp site, so in the event we have more than three people, we will need to double up on accomodations. We will share the camping permit costs ($6-10/site/night), and will share food costs per our desires as a group. Please allow yourself a day or two for weather delays and travel time at the end of the trip. We're planning to finish up on wed, but please do not plan on being back to work at 8 a.m. on thursday morning in Chicago.

: We've got our permits! Fri, July 9 Sand #2; Sat July 10 Otter; sun July 11 Rocky #1; Mon July 12 Ironwood; Tues July 13 Manitou.  I'm very pleased with what we got. The crossings between sites are fairly protected, the manditory milage is reasonable, most of them are the only camp site on the island, and we'll be well-positioned to make it to the Devil's Island sea caves if we get a calm day, without committing to staying out there and risking getting stuck.  Check out a map of the islands:

http://www.nps.gov/PWR/customcf/apps/maps/showmap.cfm?alphacode=apis&parkname=Apostle%20Islands%20National%20Lakeshore

http://www.nps.gov/PWR/customcf/apps/maps/showmap.cfm?alphacode=apis&parkname=Apostle%20Islands%20National%20LakeshoreWe will plan to launch at noon on Friday, July 9 from: Little Sand Bay Campground 32665 Little Sand Bay Road Bayfield, WI 54814 Mapquest gives good directions for finding this place. The signage along the road from hwy 13 is also quite good. I will be arriving at the campground the evening of thursday, July 8. Anyone renting equipment in the area should plan on having it in hand and ready to go by noon on the 9th.